Bourbon Soaked Cherries

I was looking for new gift ideas and came across these. I have not tried them yet but they made the house smell great. 

• 1 pound sweet bing cherries, pitted and stems removed
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of orange peel
• 1 cup bourbon (or any favorite whiskey)

1. Place the cherries in two clean pint-sized mason jars (or one large quart-sized mason jar).  Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the water, honey, vanilla extract and honey until combined.  Gently stir in the cinnamon strip and orange peel.  Continue heating, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer.  Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue simmering for another 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
3. Remove from heat, and strain out the cinnamon stick and orange peel.  Slowly add in the bourbon, and stir to combine.
4. Pour the bourbon mixture evenly over the cherries, then let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.  Secure the lids on the mason jars, give them a shake, and refrigerate for at least 3 days before using.  The recipe should last for up to 2-3 months.

NOTES

*If you want softer cherries, you’re welcome to add the cherries to the honey mixture and let them simmer for that 10 minutes together.  Then just stir in the bourbon, and add them to the pint jars, etc.